The M’s would certainly welcome better offensive production from the position.

2012 No. 3 overall pick Mike Zunino has developed into a first-rate defender, but has been abysmal at the place in 2015. Zunino’s .160 batting average is by far the lowest among any major league player with more than 250 plate appearances on the season.

The 24-year-old is also fourth in the majors with 100 strikeouts against just 17 walks. But his numbers look downright gaudy when compared to backup Jesus Sucre, who has just one hit in 29 plate appearances, good for a .038 batting average.

<p><big><b>Dustin Ackley</b></big><br>
<b>Outfielder | Age: 27 | Fifth MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: D</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Ackley's inverted development since his debut season in 2011 is summarized by his 2015 first half, when he's been a near-Mendoza line hitter, an iffy baserunner and now irregular starter. He has, however, developed into a solid defender.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
70 games, .206 average, 32 hits, 14 RBIs, 5 home runs, 33 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Joe Beimel</b></big><br>
<b>Relief pitcher | Age: 38 | 13th MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: B</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Beimel was one of many useful arms out of the bullpen in 2014, and he really hasn't disappointed in 2015. He's giving up a few more home runs than he did, sure, but the 38-year-old has been otherwise solid this season.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
23 games, 0-0 record, 3.09 ERA, 11 strikeouts, 9 walks, 8 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Joe Beimel</b></big><br>
<b>Relief pitcher | Age: 38 | 13th MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: B</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Beimel was one of many useful arms out of the bullpen in 2014, ... more

Photo: AP

Image 3 of 39

<p><big><b>Robinson Cano</b></big><br>
<b>Second baseman | Age: 32 | 11th MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: F</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> For a career .306 hitter, annual MVP candidate, six-time All-Star and collector of $24 million-per-year, this season has been awful. But there are a couple of reasons to hold on to hope: he's Robinson Cano, and he's hitting .400 in five games in July. </p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
79 games, .248 average, 78 hits, 27 RBIs, 5 home runs, 59 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Nelson Cruz</b></big><br>
<b>Outfielder/DH | Age: 35 | 11th MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: A</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> The lone Seattle 2015 All-Star starter -- as voted by fans -- Cruz has answered those who doubted he could produce in Seattle. Though he cooled off a bit in June, knocking just one home run in the month after 18 in April and May, he's already hit two in July.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
82 games: 80 games, .304 average, 92 hits, 50 RBIs, 21 home runs, 78 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Charlie Furbush</b></big><br> <b>Relief pitcher | Age: 29 | Fifth MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: B+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Furbush is maybe the only arm in the bullpen that improved on his 2014 campaign. In May, he didn't allow a single run to score, causing his ERA to drop as low as 1.42. Furbush has proved to be a reliable stopper in the seventh and eighth innings.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
32 games, 0-1 record, 2.18 ERA, 14 strikeouts, 4 walks, 5 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Brad Miller</b></big><br>
<b>Shortstop | Age: 25 | Third MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: C+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Because he plays a typically defense-first position and continues to improve in that department (even after earning a brief demotion earlier in the year), we'll give Miller some slack. Additionally, he’s found some power in his offensive game and is on pace to set a career high in home runs.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
78 games, .240 average, 58 hits, 24 RBIs, 8 home runs, 59 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Mike Montgomery</b></big><br> <b>Starting pitcher | Age: 26 | Rookie</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: A+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> The little-regarded Montgomery has flourished in his rookie season after coming over in a March trade. The 26-year-old has been Seattle's best starter since his debut on June 2 -- throwing back-to-back shutouts against the Royals and Padres.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
7 starts, 4-2 record, 1.62 ERA, 31 strikeouts, 13 walks, 9 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Fernando Rodney</b></big><br> <b>Relief pitcher | Age: 38 | 13th MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: F</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> After an effective -- if adventurous -- 2014, 2015 has been a nightmare for Rodney, who was demoted last month. If Seattle somehow turns things around and decides Carson Smith isn't ready for the closer role full time, they might have to go shopping before the end of the month.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
34 games, 2-3 record, 5.18 ERA, 16 saves, 27 strikeouts, 17 walks, 19 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Kyle Seager</b></big><br>
<b>Third baseman | Age: 27 | Fifth MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: C+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> After his first All-Star season, Seager has been a bit of a disappointment. His numbers are adequate, but nowhere near as impressive as what we've come to expect. Defensively, though, Seager is phenomenal.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
82 games, .256 average, 76 hits, 38 RBIs, 12 home runs, 44 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Kyle Seager</b></big><br>
<b>Third baseman | Age: 27 | Fifth MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: C+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> After his first All-Star season, Seager has been a bit of a ... more

Photo: AP

Image 19 of 39

<p><big><b>Carson Smith</b></big><br>
<b>Relief pitcher | Age: 25 | Second MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: B+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Smith has done a nice job replacing Fernando Rodney as the team's closer, but for some reason Lloyd McClendon has him splitting time in a committee system. The 25-year old does a good job keeping guys off base (.742 WHIP) by striking them out (37). He's got the makeup of a closer.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
34 games, 1-2 record, 1.97 ERA, 5 saves, 38 strikeouts, 6 walks, 7 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Jesus Sucre</b></big><br>
<b>Catcher | Age: 27 | Third MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: F</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> To be fair, Sucre doesn't play a whole lot, so comparing his stats to an everyday major leaguer is unfair. However, he has just a single hit all season long. Can the pitchers go ahead and hit for him?</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
12 games, .040 average, 1 hit, 6 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Jesus Sucre</b></big><br>
<b>Catcher | Age: 27 | Third MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: F</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> To be fair, Sucre doesn't play a whole lot, so comparing his stats to ... more

Photo: AP

Image 23 of 39

<p><big><b>Chris Taylor</b></big><br>
<b>Shortstop | Age: 24 | Second MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: D+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b>Taylor has struggled in Seattle after a nice rookie season in 2014. With Willie Bloomquist DFA’d last week, he’ll have a chance to catch on as the M’s utility infielder, but he has to get his bat going.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
22 games, .154 average, 10 hits, 1 RBIs, 0 home runs, 19 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Chris Taylor</b></big><br>
<b>Shortstop | Age: 24 | Second MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: D+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b>Taylor has struggled in Seattle after a nice rookie season in ... more

Image 24 of 39

<p><big><b>Mark Trumbo</b></big><br>
<b>Outfielder/DH | Age: 29 | Sixth MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: F-</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> When the Mariners need a man to get on base and hit for average, GM Jack Zduriencik traded for Trumbo, a guy who occasionally hits home runs. Problem is, he has just one in nearly 100 at-bats since coming to Seattle.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
69 games, .223 average, 57 hits, 28 RBIs, 10 home runs, 63 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Mark Trumbo</b></big><br>
<b>Outfielder/DH | Age: 29 | Sixth MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: F-</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> When the Mariners need a man to get on base and hit for ... more

Photo: AP

Image 25 of 39

Image 26 of 39

<p><big><b>Taijuan Walker</b></big><br>
<b>Starting pitcher | Age: 22 | Third MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: B+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> It's hard to believe this kid is 22. Yes, his 4.34 ERA isn't pretty, but he's 6-1 with a 1.68 ERA over his past six starts. "The Prince" is also on pace to register a near-200 IP season, which will help the bullpen in the dog-days of September.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
16 starts, 7-6 record, 4.34 ERA, 90 strikeouts, 26 walks, 44 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Mike Zunino</b></big><br>
<b>Catcher | Age: 24 | Third MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: D-</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Zunino's grade is tough, but it isn't totally his fault. The 24-year-old didn't get a full season - only 96 games - to develop in the minors before getting the call to Seattle, and it's shown the past two seasons. Following a 2014 campaign in which he hit .199, Zunino has put up an even worse .162 average through the first half of this season. So he deserves a polite F.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
74 games, .162 average, 37 hits, 18 RBIs, 9 home runs, 93 strikeouts less

<p><big><b>Demoted: Roenis Elias</b></big><br>
<b>Starting pitcher | Age: 26 | Second MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: C+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Before Elias was optioned to Triple-A on July on Saturday, his 2015 was pretty good overall. His last four starts saw his ERA spike from 2.79 to 4.27, so his recent performance -- and minor-league options -- led to his demotion.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
13 starts, 4-6 record, 4.27 ERA, 64 strikeouts, 25 walks, 37 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Demoted: Roenis Elias</b></big><br>
<b>Starting pitcher | Age: 26 | Second MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: C+</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Before Elias was optioned to Triple-A on July on ... more

<p><big><b>Demoted: Vidal Nuno</b></big><br>
<b>Relief pitcher | Age: 27 | Third MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: C</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> In 25 innings with both Arizona and Seattle, Nuno has put up solid numbers this season. He lost out in the numbers game of the M’s bullpen, however, and was sent down to Tacoma over the weekend.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
12 games, 0-1 record, 2.16 ERA, 29 strikeouts, 6 walks, 6 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Injured: James Paxton</b></big><br>
<b>Starting pitcher | Age: 26 | Third MLB season</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: C</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> Paxton got off to a rough start, with a 6.86 ERA over his the first month of the season. Just as he was rounding in to form -- going 3-1 with a 2.09 ERA over six starts -- a finger injury knocked him out of action.</p>
<p><b>Stats through 82 games:</b><br>
10 starts, 3-3 record, 3.70 ERA, 45 strikeouts, 22 walks, 24 earned runs less

<p><big><b>Lloyd McClendon</b></big><br> <b>Manager | Age: 56 | Seventh MLB season as manager</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: D</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> We like Lloyd, but it feels like he’s grasping at straws with his lineup at times. A coach is only as good as his players, but it seems like McClendon’s done too much tinkering when he needed to stay the course and let his players figure things out.</p> less

<p><big><b>Lloyd McClendon</b></big><br> <b>Manager | Age: 56 | Seventh MLB season as manager</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: D</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> We like Lloyd, but it feels like he’s grasping at ... more

Photo: AP

Image 38 of 39

<p><big><b>Jack Zduriencik</b></big><br> <b>Executive VP & General Manager | Age: 64 | Seventh MLB season as GM</b></p>
<p><big><b>GRADE: F</big></b></p>
<p><b>Notes:</b> This grade isn’t reflective of some of his pickups before the 2015 season – Cruz, Happ and Seth Smith have generally worked out fine. But his signing of the since-released Rickie Weeks and the trade for Trumbo smack of desperation. </p> less